We’re here to change that narrative. Our story began thousands of years ago when women first took bead to thread, adorning themselves with symbols of sensuality, protection and a clever tool to keep track of changes in her body. Waist beads were used to mark the many rites of passage in an African woman’s life. Fitbeads is continuing the traditions of our mothers by reminding women to honor bodies and their journeys as sacred and unique; whether that’s a fitness journey, a self- love journey or a journey back to your roots.

Waist beads are an African tradition that can be found all across the continent and throughout the diaspora. One of the earliest documented uses of waist beads was in ancient Kemet, now Egypt, where women wore layers of beads called girdles. They have been used in various ways and have taken on a multitude of meanings including body shaping and awareness, lingerie/sensual adornment, coming of age initiations, wedding gifts/bride price, to indicate societal status, and to connect with your feminine essence.